As shown in a study done by Marcell, Agyeman, and Rappaport done in 2004, it is very important for students to be provided with information about how to achieve the desired behavior change. It is important to be careful about the ways in which information is communicated to students, so as to be sure that the information is effective in initiating behavior change.
One way to do this is by putting up signs in the dorms informing students about strategies for recycling and reusing their household items.
These signs should:
1. Be put up where they will be most effective:
- This could be stairwells, hallway billboards, or in community centers
- It may help to put signs by dumpsters or other garbage receptacles to remind students to not throw away their belongings
- It is important to realize that these places may be different in each residence hall, so having input from someone familiar with the hall will be helpful.
2. Be put up when they will be most effective:
- Since students are usually only throwing away their belongings during move-out, signs should be put up within one month prior to finals, which is when students will likely begin planning for their move-out
3. Contain procedural information about what students can do with their unwanted stuff:
- This may mean giving information about how students can drop off belongings at the nearest second-hand store
- This could also mean providing students with dorm specific information about different drop off locations in each residence hall. (Example below)
(Source: https://www.scu.edu/sustainability/events/moveout/)
References:
(1) Marcell, K., Agyeman, J., & Rappaport, A. (2004). Cooling the campus: Experiences from a pilot study to reduce electricity use at Tufts University, USA, using social marketing methods. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 5(2), 169–189. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.proxy.lib.umich.edu/docview/205022459?pq-orig...
(2) Wolske, K. S. (2011). Encouraging climate-friendly behaviors through a community energy challenge: The effects of information, feedback, and shared stories. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
(3) Zint, M. & K. Wolske (2014). In Press. From information provision to participatory deliberation: Engaging residents in the transition toward sustainable cities. In Mazmanian, D. and Blanco H. (Eds.) The Elgar Companion to Sustainable Cities: Strategies, Methods and Outlook. Edward Elgar Publishing, Northampton, MA.